Researching the Gap: Type 5 Diabetes and Poverty

From borgenproject.org

By Elizabeth Holden

Estimated to affect between 20 million and 25 million people, primarily in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, type 5 diabetes was officially recognized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2025. Due to its association with food insecurity, type 5 diabetes and poverty are closely tied, highlighting the importance of food assistance programs. Following its recognition, a working group was established to research the disease’s causes, symptoms and treatment options so care programs can be implemented.

Photo: Flickr

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

Linked to chronic undernutrition during childhood and adolescence, type 5 diabetes is characterized by an underdeveloped pancreas and resulting insulin deficiency. Patients are often teenagers and young adults and typically have a lower body mass index (BMI) than people with other types of diabetes, though this research remains ongoing.

Food insecurity, maternal malnutrition and infection have all been associated with an increased risk of pancreatic impairment. Researchers posit that populations in low- and middle-income countries may be more vulnerable because undernutrition and food insecurity are more prevalent in these regions.

While insulin is an essential treatment for type 1 diabetes, for type 2 diabetes it can be prescribed but typically alongside other treatments and lifestyle changes. Treatment for type 5 diabetes is still being studied. Cleveland Clinic says providers typically prescribe insulin, while IDF describes individualized management that may include nutritional support, oral medicines or low-dose insulin.

The multifaceted nature of type 5 diabetes and the challenges of standardizing its diagnostic criteria make it difficult to establish definitive treatment guidelines. Research is therefore foundational to moving toward clearer diagnoses so targeted responses can be developed.

The IDF Working Group

Following the IDF’s recognition of the disease, a working group was established to continue research and propose treatment programs. The group is chaired by Dr. Meredith Hawkins of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and co-chaired by Dr. Nihal Thomas of Christian Medical College in India.

Hawkins first learned of malnutrition-related diabetes in 2005. In 2010, she founded Einstein’s Global Diabetes Institute. Its research focused on diabetes cases that could not be classified as either type 1 or type 2, leading them to hypothesize that the condition has a distinct metabolic profile.

IDF explains that lack of treatment can increase the risk of complications, including retinopathy, kidney disease and nerve damage. Early diagnosis and intervention can mitigate these risks, emphasizing the importance of type 5 diabetes research in ensuring patients receive the appropriate care.

The working group aims to:

• Establish clear diagnostic criteria to distinguish type 5 diabetes from other types of diabetes.
• Develop a global registry to monitor patient development to improve treatment and diagnostic accuracy.
• Educate medical professionals so patients are appropriately treated.

The group’s research can be used to inform national diabetes programs, helping people vulnerable to type 5 diabetes and poverty receive the assistance and education they need.

Fighting Global Hunger

As experts continue to research type 5 diabetes, organizations working to eliminate global hunger are addressing undernutrition. Their work is not focused on type 5 diabetes. However, the association between chronic undernutrition, type 5 diabetes and poverty makes nutrition programs relevant to the wider conditions that increase vulnerability.

It is bringing relief packages and empowering local entrepreneurs, aiming to strengthen livelihoods and improve the quality of life in impoverished communities.

In 2025, the World Food Programme provided support for 121 million people who faced hunger due to conflict, climate extremes, disaster, inequality and food loss. Through its early-warning systems, the WFP can anticipate extreme weather events, increasing the speed of aid delivery. Furthermore, WFP coordinates humanitarian logistics through the Logistics Cluster and uses geospatial analysis to support responses following disasters.

CARE works across more than 60 countries to support community food supply, focusing specifically on women and girls to empower them as providers. Through its market access and agriculture programs, it connects farmers with other producers and consumers, improving the sustainability and interdependence of the supply chain. By creating specific opportunities for women, they work toward gender equality in food production and control.

The Hunger Project reached more than 12.7 million people in 2025, operating in 13 countries across more than 7,500 communities. Its focus on community-led, sustainable development seeks to bring the skills and resources to communities so they can support themselves. By empowering local people to be food producers and entrepreneurs, it aims to reduce food dependency and create sustainable positive change.

Looking Ahead

Despite the prevalence of type 5 diabetes and food insecurity, there are organizations in place, working to mitigate those issues. Hopefully, as organizations like CARE, the Hunger Project and the World Food Programme continue their work, food insecurity and type 5 diabetes will be things of the past.

https://borgenproject.org/type-5-diabetes-and-poverty/ 

7-Day Easy Diabetes-Friendly Meal Plan for the Busy Holiday Season, Created by a Dietitian

From eatingwell.com

By Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Don’t let your health take a back seat this holiday season. This diabetes-friendly meal plan can help

About This Plan

• This 7-day plan is set at 1,800 calories with modifications for 1,500 and 2,000 calories.
• Each day provides at least 111 grams of protein and 36 grams of fibre to promote stable blood sugar.
• This plan includes easy recipes that require no more than 30 minutes of active cooking time.

Credit: Recipe photos: Brie Goldman and Jake Sternquist. EatingWell design

The holidays are a fun-filled, magical time of year, but they can pose some challenges if you’re trying to manage your blood sugar. Between the busyness of the holiday season, stacked social calendar and celebratory meals that aren’t as balanced as usual, it can be tricky to keep an eye on your health. Fortunately, this diabetes-friendly meal plan is here to help. It includes a week of meals and snacks featuring simple recipes that require no more than 30 minutes of active cooking time. You’ll find meal-prep tips to follow at the beginning of the week to help simplify your routine when your schedule gets busy. To make this plan diabetes-friendly, we mapped out a high-protein, high-fibre routine and moderately reduced carbohydrates, all of which can help support healthy blood sugar levels. With three different calorie levels to choose from, this plan can work for most people. ’Tis the season!

DAYS	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
MEALS	Breakfast: Apple & Peanut Butter Toast with Plain Kefir -------- Lunch: Avocado Toast with Jammy Eggs Clementine -------- Dinner: Baked Lemon-Pepper Salmon & Chickpea Salad	Breakfast: Greek Yogurt with Cinnamon Oats, Nuts & Raspberries -------- Lunch: Chickpea Chopped Salad with Chicken Breast & Blueberries -------- Dinner: Mojo Chicken with Green Beans & Potatoes	Breakfast: Greek Yogurt with Cinnamon Oats, Walnuts & Blackberries -------- Lunch: Chickpea Chopped Salad with Chicken Breast & Blueberries -------- Dinner: Tofu Tacos Spicy Cabbage Slaw	Breakfast: Greek Yogurt with Cinnamon Oats, Walnuts & Blackberries -------- Lunch: Chickpea Chopped Salad with Chicken Breast & Blueberries -------- Dinner: One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli Basic Quinoa	Breakfast: Greek Yogurt with Cinnamon Oats, Walnuts & Blackberries -------- Lunch: Chickpea Chopped Salad with Chicken Breast & Blueberries -------- Dinner: Chicken & White Bean Soup & Green Goddess Chickpea Salad	Breakfast Apple & Peanut Butter Toast & Plain Kefir -------- Lunch: Chicken & White Bean Soup with an Apple -------- Dinner: Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet & Brussels Sprouts Caesar	Breakfast: Apple & Peanut Butter Toast & Plain Kefir -------- Lunch: Chicken & White Bean Soup with an Apple -------- Dinner: Black Beans & Corn with Poached Eggs with Citrus-Arugula Salad
DAILY TOTALS	Calories: 1,794 Fat: 83g Protein: 120g Carbs: 146g Fibre: 33g Sodium: 2,057mg	Calories: 1,813 Fat: 84g Protein: 128g Carbs: 151g Fibre: 33g Sodium: 1,328mg	Calories: 1,778 Fat: 83g Protein: 115g Carbs: 156g Fibre: 39g Sodium: 1,576mg	Calories: 1,778 Fat: 77g Protein: 111g Carbs: 178g Fibre: 34g Sodium: 1,045mg	Calories: 1,791 Fat: 65g Protein: 138g Carbs: 188g Fibre: 41g Sodium: 1,345mg	Calories: 1,802 Fat: 73g Protein: 135g Carbs: 172g Fibre: 42g Sodium: 1,506mg	Calories: 1,802 Fat: 79g Protein: 118g Carbs: 175g Fibre: 43g Sodium: 1,593mg

More details are here: 7-Day Easy Diabetes-Friendly Meal Plan for the Holiday Season

Blood Sugar-Friendly Tips for the Holiday Season

• Focus on Fibre: Just 7% of Americans reach their daily fibre goals, and it’s likely that getting enough fibre is even trickier during the holiday season. While you can’t always predict what will be served at a holiday gathering if you’re not hosting, prioritizing fibre in the meals you’re preparing can help manage blood sugar levels. As an added bonus, eating plenty of fibre can promote regular digestion, help manage weight and improve heart health. Fibre-rich foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils.
• Hydrate: When you’re running around preparing for the holidays, it’s common to let your hydration goals take a back seat. If you can, make sure to grab your favourite water bottle and take it along with you. Dehydration increases blood sugar levels, so make sure to stay adequately hydrated during this busy time of year. Staying adequately hydrated can also help keep your brain sharp, promote more regular digestion, lubricate your joints and prevent headaches.
• Pair Carbs with Protein: Research shows that eating carbohydrates alone results in significantly higher blood sugar levels 60 minutes after a meal compared to carbohydrates consumed with a protein source. That’s why you’ll see fruit paired with yogurt, kefir, edamame, nuts or nut butter in this diabetes-friendly meal plan. When grazing the holiday spread, aim to give your carbs a protein buddy for better blood sugar management. 
• Exercise: It’s not surprising that exercise can help manage blood sugar levels. While the American Diabetes Association recommends an ideal goal of 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, even a small amount of movement can positively impact blood sugar levels. Research shows that a 10-minute walk after eating a carbohydrate-rich meal has a significant positive impact on blood sugar levels.

How We Create Meal Plans

Registered dietitians thoughtfully create EatingWell’s meal plans to be easy-to-follow and delicious. Each meal plan meets specific parameters depending on the health condition and/or lifestyle goal it is targeting and is analysed for accuracy using the nutrition database, ESHA Food Processor. As nutritional needs differ from person to person, we encourage you to use these plans as inspiration and adjust as you see fit.

https://www.eatingwell.com/7-day-easy-diabetes-friendly-meal-plan-holiday-season-12176118

My Diabetes Diagnosis Came Out of Nowhere. Today, Families Can Know Sooner

From time.com

By Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas is a musician, actor, and co-founder of Beyond Type 1. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in November 2005 at age 13, he has spent more than two decades living with the condition and advocating for greater awareness, education, and support. 

I was 13 years old and in the middle of one of the Jonas Brothers’ first tours when I knew something was wrong. In just two weeks, I’d lost nearly 25 pounds. I was constantly thirsty, going to the bathroom, getting regular cramps, and my attitude had become more than that of an irritable teenager. While I didn’t know what was wrong, I knew I needed to see a doctor.

Fast forward, I was sitting with the paediatrician and heard the words “You have type 1 diabetes.”

Immediately, I saw my future flash before my eyes: Will I be able to perform again? Am I going to die? This certainly wasn’t what anybody predicted.

I wasn’t just scared for myself; I was scared for my family. As a kid, you think your parents have everything figured out. Seeing mine just as confused and distraught as I was terrified me.

For years, I accepted that my diagnosis was something no one could have anticipated. But now, more than 20 years later, I understand something I couldn't at 13: my diagnosis may have come out of nowhere, but my type 1 diabetes didn't.

What most people don’t know is that 90% of people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have no family history. Because of this, many families—mine included—have a massive blind spot. We assume we’ll know if we’re at risk. We assume diabetes will give us a warning. Too often, we don’t think about our health at all until something is already very wrong.

But today, we know more. We can identify the early stages of type 1 diabetes months or even years before symptoms appear. For families, that early detection can provide something that I think about often: time. 

Nick Jonas on May 19, 2026 in New York City.Theo Wargo—Getty Images

I think about what more time could have meant for my own family. While early detection wouldn’t have changed my diagnosis, it could have changed how and when we learned about it. Maybe my parents wouldn’t have had their diabetes “crash course” at the same time their 13-year-old son was sitting in a hospital bed. Maybe my brothers wouldn’t have been scared that they were going to lose their sibling. Maybe I could have known what was happening with my body rather than feeling out of control. Maybe we could have been more prepared. 

And my family’s experience is far from unique. For too many people, the first time they learn about type 1 diabetes is in crisis. Research shows that up to 40% of young people in the U.S. with the condition arrive at diagnosis in diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, a serious, life-threatening complication of diabetes.

For years, I thought stories like mine were just how diabetes happened. You got sick. You found out. You figured out how to live with it. But science has changed, and our understanding of diabetes has changed. I’m just not sure the public understanding of diabetes has changed.

That matters because misconceptions about diabetes are everywhere, and they aren’t just about what life looks like after a diagnosis. They also shape whether we recognize our risk in the first place.

I’ve seen the impact of those misconceptions firsthand. It’s one of the reasons I co-founded the non-profit Beyond Type 1 in 2015: to change the way diabetes is seen and understood, build a community where people don’t have to face it alone, and help create a world where diabetes doesn’t limit a person’s life or possibilities.

And this blind spot isn’t unique to type 1 diabetes. Millions of Americans are living with type 2 diabetes, while millions more have prediabetes and don’t even realize it. But our assumptions about age, weight, lifestyle, and family history shape who we think is at risk. Those assumptions create stigma, which can discourage people from getting tested and finding the support they need. Diabetes is hard. Shame makes it harder.

A diabetes diagnosis is not a personal failing. There should be no shame in understanding your risk and seeking care if needed.

The tools for detecting type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different. But the principle remains the same: knowing you have diabetes sooner gives you more time to act. It’s not about living in fear or trying to predict the future, but about recognizing that we have information today that many families, including mine, didn’t have when I was diagnosed.

If there’s one truth I want to yell out loud, it’s this: you don’t have to wait for diabetes to announce itself. A simple blood test can detect type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear by looking for autoantibodies. For type 2 diabetes, regular blood sugar checks, including an A1C test, can help catch high blood sugar early on. 

So, what's the first step? Just talk to your doctor. Find out if you're at risk and what signs to look out for. Ask about screening options that make sense for you and your family. And if you’re unsure where to start, you can learn more about diabetes risk, screening, and early detection here. 

Now that I’m a dad, I understand my parents’ fear now in a way I couldn’t then. I think about what it must have felt like to watch their child lose nearly 25 pounds, only to learn that he had a lifelong condition that would change his life—and theirs—forever. It's a really tough thing for a parent to go through, and I can see now that it wasn't just about me, it was about all of us.

This also rings true for the physical and mental toll type 1 diabetes takes, not just on the person diagnosed, but on the entire family. From constant monitoring and planning ahead to food calculations and technology management, diabetes burnout is real. My diabetes management tests my resilience daily, and while I’ve been living with type 1 for over 20 years, I know the emotional demands on my parents, my siblings, and, now, my spouse don’t just go away; they evolve.

Whether it’s you or a loved one who’s been diagnosed, the right guidance can make all the difference. 

I wish my family's experience with my diagnosis could have been different, but hopefully, others will be better equipped to handle a diagnosis. While there's a lot about diabetes that's unpredictable, that doesn't mean we can't be prepared for what's to come.

https://time.com/article/2026/11/05/my-diabetes-diagnosis-came-out-of-nowhere-today-families-can-know-sooner/